MS in Speech-Language Pathology Executive Summary
The following is the executive summary of the 2025-2030 strategic plan for the Minnesota State University Moorhead Speech Language Hearing Sciences department, which includes the accredited Speech-Language Pathology Master of Science graduate program and the Speech Language Hearing Sciences Bachelor of Science undergraduate program. During our annual strategic planning retreat, the program reviewed assessment data and revised long-term and short-term goals. The purpose of this review is to do the following:
- Align department’s goals with the university’s strategic priorities,
- Meet the mission and vision of the department, and thus,
- Continue to meet the standards of the Council for Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association for the accredited Master of Science degree education program in speech-language pathology.
Two strategies of the university are to focus on student achievement/students’ return on their investment and to be indispensable to the region. These priorities align with the mission and vision of the department to recruit and retain high-quality students, to provide high-quality rigorous courses, clinical experiences, and faculty-mentored research opportunities. Our priority is to implement best practices as a CAA accredited program. Also, the program aims to meet the regional workforce needs of the area and to serve the region through the MSUM Speech Language & Hearing Clinic by providing state-of-the-art assessments, interventions, technologies, and resources. Several of our long-term goals focus on these areas.
During this planning cycle, efforts focus on maintaining state-of-the-art resources and strengthening academic and clinical programs to meet evolving professional standards. To support high-quality learning and clinical experiences, the department will maintain facilities such as the on-campus clinic, teletherapy systems, simulation environments, sensory room, audiology suite, and the Regional Assistive Technology Center (RATC). The RATC continues to serve as a vital resource under the STAR grant, providing assistive technology demonstrations and loans to SLPs and families across Minnesota. These efforts ensure that students gain exposure to cutting-edge tools while supporting accessibility for individuals with communication needs. A key priority includes comprehensive space needs assessment to ensure a superior student and client experience for our academic and clinic spaces. Accreditation remains a cornerstone of program integrity. The department will implement curriculum revisions aligned with CAA standards and best practices, ensuring compliance and readiness for the upcoming Accreditation Self-Study.
Another priority of the department is to Integrate patient- and family-centered care through coursework and clinical experiences as a core component of our academic and clinical experiences. Effective clinical relationships require service providers to understand and respect values, attitudes, beliefs, circumstances, experiences, modes of communication. We seek high-impact clinical and academic experiences to foster the development of competent and compassionate professionals. We seek to serve clients across diverse communities with respect, empathy, and a deep commitment to improving quality of life. The department will continue to develop and offer regular study abroad programs for SLHS and SLP students, creating opportunities for cultural immersion and international perspectives in speech-language-hearing sciences. These experiences will enrich student learning and prepare graduates to work effectively in diverse settings.
The department is also committed to building strong community partnerships that enhance academic programs, enrich student learning, and address regional needs. These collaborations are designed to create meaningful service opportunities, foster professional connections, and strengthen the department’s role as a resource for the community. The SLHS Clinic plays a pivotal role in this effort by organizing off-campus screenings and service-learning experiences that foster skill development while serving community members. Partnerships include Community of Care Casselton, YMCA, Head Start, Fargo, West Fargo, and Moorhead schools for annual screenings, as well as participation in the Big Iron farming event for hearing screenings. These initiatives provide students with real-world practice and strengthen ties with local organizations. Annual priorities include inviting local professionals as guest speakers in SLHS courses, offering Interprofessional practice education (IPE) experiences with Sanford Health, University of Jamestown (Physical Therapy), and St. Mary’s (Occupational therapy. Offering speech, language, and hearing observations at the North Dakota Department of Health’s Cleft Palate Clinic and Sanford Coordinated Treatment Centers, and maintaining collaborations with FM Sertoma and the National Stuttering Association. Students also engage in service activities through NSSLHA and Collegiate Sertoma, supporting organizations such as the FM Special Needs Support Network and Arc of Minnesota.
Through these initiatives, the department demonstrates its commitment to community engagement, experiential learning, and professional collaboration—strengthening academic programs and meeting critical needs across the region.